A client has sustained a crush injury to the abdomen as the result of an industrial accident. The initial assessment and interventions have been carried out. The vital signs are stable and the family is at the bedside. The client is complaining of bilateral flank pain. What is the priority nursing action for this client now?
Prepare for immediate abdominal surgery
Determine if there are any allergies to food or drugs
Administer antibiotics as ordered after culture results are available
Obtain a urine specimen
The Correct Answer is D
A. Prepare for immediate abdominal surgery
There is no indication of active hemorrhage or peritonitis at this point. Further assessment is needed before deciding on surgery.
B. Determine if there are any allergies to food or drugs
Allergy history is important, but it is not the immediate priority for this client.
C. Administer antibiotics as ordered after culture results are available
Antibiotics may be needed if infection is suspected, but the priority is assessing kidney function due to the risk of rhabdomyolysis from muscle breakdown.
D. Obtain a urine specimen
Flank pain after a crush injury suggests possible rhabdomyolysis or kidney damage. The urine should be tested for myoglobinuria (tea-colored urine), hematuria, or kidney injury markers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Follows an object with eyes without nystagmus or strabismus
Cranial nerves III (oculomotor), IV (trochlear), and VI (abducens) control eye movement. CN XI does not control eye movement.
B. Moves the tongue out midline without tremors or deviation
Cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal nerve) controls tongue movement.
C. Moves the head and shoulders against resistance with equal strength
Cranial nerve XI (spinal accessory nerve) controls the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. If intact, the client can shrug shoulders and turn the head against resistance with equal strength.
D. Demonstrates full range of the neck
Full range of motion in the neck involves multiple muscles, not just those innervated by CN XI.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Continue to monitor the client as a paralytic ileus is possible
Paralytic ileus can occur postoperatively, but sudden severe pain and distension indicate a more serious issue, such as bowel infarction.
B. Administer the PRN stool softener to the client
A stool softener is inappropriate if the client has a possible bowel obstruction or ischemia.
C. Obtain an order to insert a nasogastric tube set to low suction
An NG tube may help relieve distension, but it does not treat the underlying cause. The priority is to notify the surgeon.
D. Report the assessment findings to the surgeon
Absent bowel sounds, severe pain, and distension suggest bowel ischemia, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate surgical intervention.
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